Presumptive Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan announces Julia Rathgeber as his Chief of Staff

Julia will formally assume this role on January 12, 2021, and has extensive experience working in and around the Texas Capitol.

The 87th Texas Legislature during Covid-19

For the time being the Texas Capitol building remains closed to the public—but what will happen when the 87th Texas Legislature convenes on January 12, 2021? Discussions are underway regarding how to safely conduct business during the pandemic for the upcoming legislature. Many committee hearings were postponed or canceled during the interim and others sought additional safety measures such as alternate hearing locations, installing plexiglass in committee hearing rooms, and accepting invited virtual testimony. The task force assembled by presumptive Speaker of the House Dade Phelan will make recommendations on how the legislature ought to conduct its business in 2021 during this global pandemic. There have been talks of rapid testing, limiting public access, or even an extended recess.

In the meantime, Capitol staff can purchase masks and hand sanitizers from the vending machines on Level E1.

Reuters – November 17, 2020: Pfizer to start pilot delivery program for its COVID-19 vaccine in Texas, three other states

Pfizer Inc has launched a pilot delivery program for its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in four U.S. states, as the U.S. drugmaker seeks to address distribution challenges facing its ultra-cold storage requirements. Pfizer’s vaccine, which was shown to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on initial data, must be shipped and stored at -70 degrees Celsius (minus 94°F), significantly below the standard for vaccines of 2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46°F). “We are hopeful that results from this vaccine delivery pilot will serve as the model for other U.S. states and international governments, as they prepare to implement effective COVID-19 vaccine programs,” Pfizer said in a statement on Monday.

Covid Fatigue Got You Down?

We are all in this together! Medical experts recommend limiting your exposure, social distancing, and wearing masks in the days leading up to the holidays if you will be gathering with your loved ones.

Stay vigilant with these easy to access coronavirus resources:

https://www.texmed.org/Coronavirus/

https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

Texans Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Hunters can help Texans in need through Hunters for the Hungry

Most hunters are no stranger to sharing excess game meat with friends and family during hunting season, but fewer know that they can donate funds and surplus harvest to help feed their neighbors struggling with hunger and food insecurity.

Hunters for the Hungry is a statewide hunger relief program that provides venison to Texans in need. Since 1997, Hunters for the Hungry has given hunters a meaningful way to give back to their community and distributed over 10 million servings of venison to hungry Texans.

Hunters can help by:

Bringing your legally tagged, field-dressed whitetail or mule deer to a participating meat processor. There is no cost to you!

When you purchase your Texas hunting license, ask a store clerk or choose the option online to donate to Hunters for the Hungry.

Financially supporting the program with a monetary donation. All donations help Hunters for the Hungry promote their program and cover the costs of processing donated deer meat. Donate here today.

For more information on the program and how you can get involved here.

Texas Legislature: Bills Filed

Filed House Bills

87th Legislature Regular Session

Report Date: 11/17/2020
Number of Bills: 613

Filed Senate Bills

87th Legislature Regular Session

Report Date: 11/17/2020
Number of Bills: 176

Presumptive Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan

Chairman Dade Phelan, a Republican from Beaumont, announced last week that he has the votes needed to become the next speaker of the Texas House. He soon after released a bipartisan list of 83 members supporting his candidacy.

On Monday, Chairman Phelan appointed a bipartisan workgroup to review and make recommendations on legislative operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Representative (Dr.) Oliverson was named chair of the workgroup and Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson was named vice-chair. Other members of the workgroup include: Briscoe Cain, Charlie Geren, Donna Howard, Stephanie Klick, Joe Moody, Chris Paddie, John Smithee, Chris Turner, John Turner, Armando Walle.

Bill Filing has Begun for the 87th Texas Legislature

Bill pre-filing began on Monday, November 9th, and hundreds of bills have already been filed in the House and Senate for the upcoming 87th Texas Legislature.

Several bill numbers have been reserved. The House has reserved 20 lower number bills and the Senate has reserved 31. HB 150 and SB 31 have been reserved, presumably for the redistricting maps.

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension of Emergency SNAP Benefits For November 2020

Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide approximately $202 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of November as the state continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Texas Tribune: The Future of Rural Texas

Watch these conversations with educators from rural public and higher educations institutions across Texas discuss the future of rural Texas here:

Deer & Turkey Season is Upon Us!

White-tailed deer general season opens Nov. 7Rio Grande fall turkey season opens Nov. 7Mule deer season opens Nov. 21 in the Panhandle and Southwestern Panhandle regions, Nov. 27 in the Trans-Pecos region and Brewster, Pecos and Terrell counties.

Happy Veteran’s Day and Thank You to All Veterans!

Members of The Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans carry a large American flag in the annual Veterans Day parade on Congress Avenue on Thursday Nov. 11, 2010. Photos by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman.

This Week in Texas: Wednesday, November 4^th, 2020

The Results Are In… kinda!

The results of Election Day 2020 are in… kinda!  Here are the fast and furious results of yesterday’s election.  These are the numbers as of 6:00am on Wednesday morning. We wanted you to start your day knowing what we know so far!

We will continue to update you on breaking news and results throughout today and week. For more detailed information, go to the Secretary of State’s website here. 

Hot takeaways from last night’s election:

• During early voting in Texas, 9,717,604 people — 57.3% of registered voters — voted in person and by mail, surpassing the total number of votes cast in 2016.

• Biden performed well in large suburban counties that used to be reliably Republican, but he failed to notch wide margins of victory in some critical Democratic strongholds, massively underperforming Hillary Clinton in the mostly Hispanic Rio Grande Valley.

• 2020 proved another disappointment for the Texas Democrats as Republicans remained dominant in Texas, appearing poised to maintain victories in all statewide offices and both chambers of the Legislature.

• U.S. Sen. John Cornyn won a fourth term in the Senate, fending off a challenge from Democrat MJ Hegar.

• U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Austin) won his bid for reelection over Democratic challenger Wendy Davis.

• In the Texas Senate, the Democrats flipped 1 seat – Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton) was defeated by Democrat Roland Gutierrez. The Senate will now have 18 Rs and 13 Ds.

• Republicans seemed poised to hold onto their majority in the Texas House on Tuesday, fighting off a well-financed attempt by Democrats to flip the lower chamber for the first time in nearly two decades.

• The race in the House has produced one loss for the Republicans, Rep. Sarah Davis, and one loss for the Democrats, Rep. Gina Calanni (both of Houston). The Texas House would remain 83 Rs and 67 Ds.

OK, here we go!

President

President Donald Trump carried Texas on Tuesday as national results continue to show him and former Vice President Joe Biden in a neck-and-neck race. At the time of this memo, President Donald Trump’s Texas margin over Biden showed as 52.2% to 46.4%. 

U.S. Senate

U.S. Sen John. Cornyn, who was seeking his fourth term, faced perhaps his biggest general election challenge yet from Air Force veteran MJ Hegar. Senator John Cornyn defeated MJ Hegar with 53.7% of the vote.

U.S. Congress

There were competitive U.S. House races across the state in 2020. Democrats mounted serious challenges in as many as 10 GOP-held districts. Texas sends 36 representatives to the U.S. House, the second-most of any state. Each representative serves a two-year term.  As of 6am this morning, the partisan count is unchanged for the Texas Congressional Delegation (23R – 13D). No seats were flipped.

CD-1, Tyler: Incumbent Louie Gohmert (R) defeated Hank Gilbert (D) with 72.6% of the vote.

CD-2, Houston: Incumbent Dan Crenshaw (R) defeated Sima Ladjevardian (D) with 56.1% of the vote.

CD-3, Plano: Incumbent Van Taylor (R) defeated Lulu Seikaly (D) with 55.2% of the vote.

CD-4, Heath: Pat Fallon (R) defeated Russell Foster (D) with 75.3% of the vote.

CD-5, Terrell: Incumbent Lance Gooden (R) defeated Carolyn Salter (D) with 62% of the vote.

CD-6, Arlington: Incumbent Ron Wright (R) defeated Stephen Daniel (D) with 52.9% of the vote.

CD-7, Houston: Incumbent Lizzie Fletcher (D) defeated Wesley Hunt (R) with 50.8% of the vote.

CD-8, The Woodlands: Incumbent Kevin Brady (R) defeated Elizabeth Hernandez (D) with 72.5% of the vote.

CD-9, Houston: Incumbent Al Green (D) defeated Johnny Teague (R) with 75.5% of the vote.

CD-10, Dallas: Incumbent Michael McCaul (R) defeated Mike Siegel (D) with 52.5% of the vote.

CD-11, Midland (open seat vacated by Mike Conaway): August Pfluger (R) defeated Jon Mark Hogg (D) with 79.3% of the vote.

CD-12, Fort Worth: Incumbent Kay Granger (R) defeated Lisa Welch (D) with 64% of the vote.

CD-13, Clarendon (open seat vacated by Mac Thornberry): Ronny Jackson (R) defeated Gus Trujillo (D) with 80.1% of the vote.

CD-14, Alvin: Incumbent Randy Weber (R) defeated Adrienne Bell (D) with 61.7% of the vote.

CD-15, McAllen: Incumbent Vicente Gonzalez (D) defeated Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez (R) with 50.5% of the vote.

CD-16, El Paso: Incumbent Veronica Escobar (D) defeated Irene Armendariz-Jackson with 64.3% of the vote.

CD-17, Bryan (open seat vacated by Bill Flores): Pete Sessions (R) defeated Rick Kennedy (D) with 55.9% of the vote.

CD-18, Houston: Incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee (D) defeated Wendell Champion (R) with 73.3% of the vote.

CD-19, Lubbock: Incumbent Jodey Arrington (R) defeated Tom Watson (D) with 74.8% of the vote.

CD-20, San Antonio: Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) defeated Mauro Garza (R) with 64.7% of the vote.

CD-21, Austin: Incumbent Chip Roy (R) defeated Wendy Davis (D) with 52.1% of the vote.

CD-22, Sugar Land (open seat vacated by Pete Olson): Troy Nehls (R) defeated Sri Preston Kulkarni (D) with 49.8% of the vote.

CD-23, San Antonio (open seat vacated by Will Hurd): Tony Gonzales (R) defeated Gina Ortiz Jones (D) with 50.7% of the vote.

CD-24, Coppell (open seat vacated by Kenny Marchant): Beth Van Duyne (R) defeated Candace Valenzuela (D) with 48.8% of the vote.

CD-25, Austin: Incumbent Roger Williams (R) defeated Julie Oliver (D) with 56% of the vote.

CD-26, Lewisville: Incumbent Michael Burgess (R) defeated Carol Iannuzzi (D) with 60.7% of the vote.

CD-27, Victoria: Incumbent Michael Cloud (R) defeated Ricardo Le La Fuente (D) with 63.1% of the vote.

CD-28, Laredo: Incumbent Henry Cuellar (D) defeated Sandra Whitten (R) with 55.3% of the vote.

CD-29, Houston: Incumbent Sylvia Garcia (D) defeated Jaimy Blanco (R) with 71.1% of the vote.

CD-30, Dallas: Incumbent Eddie Bernice Johnson (D) defeated Tre Pennie (R) with 77.5% of the vote.

CD-31, Round Rock: Incumbent John Carter (R) defeated Donna Imam (D) with 53.5% of the vote.

CD-32, Dallas:  Incumbent Colin Allred (D) defeated Genevieve Collins (R) with 51.9% of the vote.

CD-33, Fort Worth: Incumbent Marc Veasey (D) defeated Fabian Cordova Vasquez (R) with 66.7% of the vote.

CD-34, Brownsville: Incumbent Filemon Vela (D) defeated Rey Gonzalez (R) with 55.3% of the vote.

CD-35, Austin: Incumbent Lloyd Doggett (D) defeated Jenny Garcia Sharon (R) with 65.3% of the vote.

CD-36, Woodville: Incumbent Brian Babin (R) defeated Rashad Lewis (D) with 73.6% of the vote.

STATEWIDE RACES

Texas Railroad Commission

The Texas Railroad Commission regulates the state’s booming oil and gas industry, making it a hugely important elected board. Members of the three-person board are elected statewide. One seat is up for election in 2020.

Commissioner: Republican James “Jim” Wright defeated Democrat Chrysta Castaneda with 53.2% of the vote.

Texas Supreme Court

Four of the nine seats on the Supreme Court are up for election in 2020. Justices are elected statewide, and Republicans currently hold all the seats on the state’s highest civil court.

Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice: Incumbent Nathan Hecht (R) defeated Amy Clark Meachum (D) with 53% of the vote.

Texas Supreme Court Place 6: Incumbent Jane Bland (R) defeated Kathy Cheng (D) with 55.5% of the vote.

Texas Supreme Court Place 7: Incumbent Jeffrey Boyd (R) defeated Staci Williams (D) with 53.5% of the vote.

Texas Supreme Court Place 8: Incumbent Brett Busby (R) defeated Gisela Triana (D) with 53.6% of the vote.

State Board of Education

There are 15 districts within the State Board of Education. Ten are currently held by Republicans, and five are held by Democrats. Four Republicans were not running for reelection.

State Board of Education District 1: Incumbent Georgina Perez (D) defeated Jennifer Ivey (R) with 54% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 5: Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D) defeated Lani Popp (R) with 48.9% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 6: Will Hickman (R) defeated Michelle Palmer (D) with 49.8% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 8: Audrey Young (R) defeated Audra Rose Berry (L) with 74% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 9: Incumbent Keven Ellis (R) defeated Brenda Davis (D) with 73.6% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 10: Incumbent Tom Maynard (R) defeated Marsha Burnett-Webster (D) with 50.9% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 14: Incumbent Sue Melton-Malone (R) defeated Greg Alvord (D) with 67.8% of the vote.

State Board of Education District 15: Jay Johnson (R) defeated John Betancourt (D) with 77.8% of the vote.

Texas Senate 

SD-1: Incumbent Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) defeated Audrey Spanko with 75.3% of the vote.

SD-4: Incumbent Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) defeated Jay Stittleburg with 84.3% of the vote.

SD-6: Incumbent Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) defeated Libertarian Timothy Duffield with 84.1% of the vote.

SD-11: Incumbent Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) defeated Susan Criss with 59.4% of the vote.

SD-12: Incumbent Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) defeated Shadi Zitoon with 62.4% of the vote.

SD-13: Incumbent Borris Miles (D-Houston) defeated Milinda Morris with 80.6% of the vote.

SD-18: Incumbent Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) defeated Michael Antalan with 66.1% of the vote.

SD-19:  Roland Gutierrez, who vacated his House seat to run for SD-19, defeated incumbent Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton) with 64.7% of the vote. SEAT FLIPPED

SD-20: Incumbent Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) defeated Judy Cutright with 58% of the vote.

SD-21: Incumbent Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) defeated Frank Pomeroy with 57.3% of the vote.

SD-22: Incumbent Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) defeated Robert Vick with 68.5% of the vote.

SD-24: Incumbent Dawn Buckingham (R-Lakeway) defeated Clayton Tucker with 69.6% of the vote.

SD-26: Incumbent Jose Menéndez (D-San Antonio) defeated Julian Villarreal with 78.7% of the vote.

SD-27:  Incumbent Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville) defeated Vanessa Tijerina with 64.8% of the vote.

SD-28: Incumbent Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) did not have an opponent.

SD-29: Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso) defeated Bethany Hatch with 67% of the vote.

Texas House

The race for control of the Texas House might be the state’s marquee political contest in 2020. There are 150 members of the Texas House. Each is elected to a two-year term.

HD-1: Incumbent Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston) did not have an opponent.  

HD-2:  Bryan Slaton (Republican who beat Incumbent Dan Flynn of Van in the primary) defeated Bill Brannon with 81.4% of the vote.

HD-3: Incumbent Cecil Bell (R-Magnolia) defeated Martin Shupp with 77.4% of the vote.

HD-4: Incumbent Keith Bell (R-Forney) defeated K. Nicole Sprabary with 79.1% of the vote.

HD-5: Incumbent Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) defeated LaWyanda Prince with 80% of the vote.

HD-6: Incumbent Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) defeated Julie Gobble with 68% of the vote.

HD-7: Incumbent Jay Dean (R-Longview) did not have an opponent.

HD-8: Incumbent Cody Harris (R-Palestine) defeated R. Edwin Adams with 85.9% of the vote.  

HD-9: Incumbent Chris Paddie did not have an opponent.

HD-10 (open seat vacated by John Wray):  Republican Jake Ellzey defeated Libertarian Matt Savino with 75.8% of the vote.

HD-11: Incumbent Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) defeated Alec Johnsonwith 75.7% of the vote.

HD-12: Incumbent Kyle Kacal (R-College Station) did not have an opponent.

HD-13: Incumbent Ben Leman (R- Iola) did not have an opponent.

HD-14: Incumbent John Raney (R-Bryan) defeated Janet Dudding with 57.5% of the vote.

HD-15: Incumbent Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands) defeated Lorena Perez McGill with 66.5% of the vote.

HD-16: Incumbent Will Metcalf (R-Conroe) did not have an opponent.

HD-17: Incumbent John Cyrier (R-Lockhart) defeated Madeline Eden with 63.7% of the vote.

HD-18: Incumbent Ernest Bailes (R-Shepherd) did not have an opponent.

HD-19: Incumbent James White (R-Hillister) did not have an opponent.

HD-20: Incumbent Terry Wilson (R-Marble Falls) defeated Jessica Tiedt with 71.4% of the vote.

HD-21: Incumbent Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) did not have an opponent.

HD-22: Incumbent Joe Deshotel (D-Beaumont) defeated Jacorion Randle with 68.3% of the vote.

HD-23: Incumbent Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville) defeated Jeff Antonelli with 60.3% of the vote.

HD-24: Incumbent Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) defeated Brian Rogerswith 70% of the vote.

HD-25 (open seat vacated by Speaker Dennis Bonnen):  RepublicanCody Thane Vasut defeated Democrat Patrick Henry with 71.6% of the vote.

HD-26 (open seat vacated by Rick Miller):  RepublicanJacey Jetton defeated Democrat L. Sarah DeMerchant with 51.9% of the vote.

HD-27: Incumbent Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City) defeated Tom Virippan with 67.8% of the vote.

HD-28: Incumbent Gary Gates (R-Fort Bend) defeated Elizabeth Markowitz with 55.6% of the vote.

HD-29: Incumbent Ed Thompson (R-Pearland) defeated Travis Boldt with 56.7% of the vote.

HD-30: Incumbent Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) did not have an opponent.

HD-31: Incumbent Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City) defeated Marian Knowlton with 58.4% of the vote.

HD-32: Incumbent Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) defeated Eric Holguin with 61.1% of the vote.

HD-33: Incumbent Justin Holland (R-Rockwall) defeated Andy Rose with 64.8% of the vote.

HD-34: Incumbent Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) defeated James Hernandez with 59.5% of the vote.

HD-35: Incumbent Oscar Longoria (D-Mission) did not have an opponent.

HD-36: Incumbent Sergio Munoz, Jr. (D-Palmview) did not have an opponent.

HD-37: Incumbent Alex Dominguez (D-Brownsville) did not have an opponent.

HD-38: Incumbent Eddie Lucio III (D-Brownsville) did not have an opponent.

HD-39: Incumbent Armando “Mando” Martinez (D-Weslaco) did not have an opponent.

HD-40: Incumbent Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) did not have an opponent.

HD-41: Incumbent Bobby Guerra (D-McAllen) defeated John “Doc” Robert Guerra with 57.9% of the vote.

HD-42: Incumbent Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) did not have an opponent.

HD-43: Incumbent J.M. Lozano (R-Kingsville) did not have an opponent.

HD-44: Incumbent John Kuempel (R-Seguin) defeated Robert Bohmfalk with 67.4% of the vote.

HD-45: Incumbent Erin Zwiener (D-Dripping Springs) defeated Carrie Isaac with 50.5% of the vote.

HD-46: Incumbent Sheryl Cole (D-Austin) did not have an opponent.

HD-47: Incumbent Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) defeated Justin Berry with 49.3% of the vote.

HD-48: Incumbent Donna Howard (D-Austin) defeated Bill Strieber with 70% of the vote.

HD:49: Incumbent Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) defeated Charles Allan Meyer with 78.9% of the vote.

HD-50: Incumbent Celia Israel (D-Austin) defeated Larry Delarosewith 68.8% of the vote.

HD-51: Incumbent Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) defeated Robert Reynoldswith 82.7% of the vote.

HD-52: Incumbent James Talarico (D-Round Rock) defeated Lucio Valdezwith 51.4% of the vote.

HD-53: Incumbent Andrew Murr (R-Junction) defeated Joe Herrerawith 78.1% of the vote.

HD-54: Incumbent Brad Buckley (R-Salado) defeated Likeithia Williams with 53.5% of the vote.

HD-55: Incumbent High Shine (R-Temple) did not have an opponent.

HD-56: Incumbent Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco) defeated Katherine Turner-Pearson with 67.3% of the vote.

HD-57: Incumbent Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) defeated Jason Rogerswith 79.4% of the vote.

HD-58: Incumbent DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) defeated Cindy Rochawith 79.1% of the vote.

HD-59:  Incumbent Republican Dr. J.D. Sheffield (R-Stephenville), lost to Shelby Slawson in the primary. Shelby Slawson did not have a General Election opponent.

HD-60 (open seat vacated by Mike Lang): Glenn Rogers (R-Palo Pinto) did not have an opponent.

HD-61: Incumbent Phil King (R-Weatherford) defeated Christopher Cox with 83% of the vote.

HD-62: Incumbent Reggie Smith (R-Van Alstyne) defeated Gary Thomas with 78.8% of the vote.

HD-63: Incumbent Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) defeated Leslie Peelerwith 67.5% of the vote.

HD-64: Incumbent Lynn Stucky (R-Denton) defeated Angela Brewerwith 54.9% of the vote.

HD-65: Incumbent Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) defeated Kronda Thimeschwith 51.5% of the vote.

HD-66: Incumbent Matt Shaheen (R-Plano) defeated Sharon Hirsch with 49.7% of the vote

HD-67: Incumbent Jeff Leach (R-Plano) defeated Lorenzo Sanchez with 51.8% of the vote.

HD-68: Incumbent Drew Springer (R-Muenster) defeated Patsy Ledbetterwith 85.5% of the vote.

HD-69: Incumbent James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) did not have an opponent.

HD-70: Incumbent Scott Sanford (R-McKinney) defeated Angie Bado with 62% of the vote.

HD-71: Incumbent Stan Lambert (R-Abilene) defeated Sam Hattonwith 78.9% of the vote.

HD-72: Incumbent Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) did not have an opponent.

HD-73: Incumbent Kyle Biedermann (R-Fredricksburg) defeated Stephanie Phillipswith 75% of the vote.

HD-74 (open seat vacated by Poncho Nevarez):  Democrat Eddie Morales Jr. defeated Republican Eddie Morales Jr. with 54.1% of the vote.

HD-75: Incumbent Mary Gonzalez (D-Clint) did not have an opponent.

HD-76 (open seat vacated by Cesar Blanco):  FormerCity Council member Claudia Ordaz Perez (D-El Paso) did not have an opponent.

HD-77: Incumbent Lina Ortega (D-El Paso) did not have an opponent.

HD-78: Incumbent Joe Moody (D-El Paso) defeated Jeffrey Lanewith 61.4% of the vote.

HD-79: Incumbent Art Fierro (D-El Paso) did not have an opponent.

HD-80: Incumbent Tracy King (D-Uvalde) did not have an opponent.

HD-81: Incumbent Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) did not have an opponent.

HD-82: Incumbent Tom Craddick (R-Midland) did not have an opponent.

HD-83: Incumbent Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) defeated Addison Perry-Frankswith 75.8% of the vote.

HD-84: Incumbent John Frullo (R-Lubbock) defeated John Gibsonwith 61.3% of the vote.

HD-85: Incumbent Phil Stephenson (R-Wharton) defeated Joey Cardenas III with 57% of the vote.

HD-86: Incumbent John Smithee (R-Amarillo) did not have an opponent.

HD-87: Incumbent Four Price (R-Amarillo) did not have an opponent.

HD-88: Incumbent Ken King (R-Canadian) did not have an opponent.

HD-89: Incumbent Candy Noble (R-Lucas) defeated Sugar Ray Ashwith 59% of the vote.

HD-90: Incumbent Ramon Romero Jr. (D-Fort Worth) defeated Elva Camacho with 72.3% of the vote.

HD-91: Incumbent Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth) defeated Jeromey Sims with 64.2% of the vote.

HD-92 (open seat vacated by Jonathan Stickland):  Republican Jeff Cason defeated Democrat Jeff Whitfield with 51.1% of the vote.

HD-93: Incumbent Matt Krause (R-Fort Worth) defeated Lydia Bean with 54.7% of the vote.

HD-94: Incumbent Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) defeated Alisa Simmonswith 51.1% of the vote.

HD:95: Incumbent Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) did not have an opponent.

HD-96 (open seat vacated by Bill Zedler): Republican David Cook defeated Democrat Joe Drago with 51.2% of the vote.

HD-97: Incumbent Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth) defeated Elizabeth Beck with 52.8% of the vote.

HD-98: Incumbent Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) defeated Debra Edmondson with 68.2% of the vote.

HD-99: Incumbent Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) did not have an opponent.

HD-100: Jasmine Felicia Crockett (D-Dallas) did not have an opponent.

HD-101: Incumbent Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) did not have an opponent.

HD-102: Incumbent Ana-Maria Ramos (D-Richardson) defeated Linda Koop with 53.9% of the vote.

HD-103: Incumbent Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) defeated Jerry Fortenberry IIwith 74.6% of the vote.

HD-104: Incumbent Jessica Gonzalez (D-Dallas) did not have an opponent.

HD-105: Incumbent Terry Meza (D-Irving) defeated Gerson Hernandezwith 55% of the vote.

HD-106: Incumbent Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) defeated Jennifer Skidonenko with 58.5% of the vote.

HD-107: Incumbent Victoria Neave (D-Dallas) defeated Samuel Smith with 56.5% of the vote.

HD-108: Incumbent Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas) defeated Joanna Cattanach with 49.7% of the vote.

HD-109: Incumbent Carl Sherman (D-Dallas) defeated Dr. Eugene Allen with 83.3% of the vote.

HD-110: Incumbent Toni Rose (D-Dallas) did not have an opponent.

HD-111: Incumbent Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas) did not have an opponent.

HD-112: Incumbent Angie Chen Button (R-Garland) defeated Democrat Brandy Chambers with 48.9% of the vote.

HD-113: Incumbent Rhetta Bowers (D-Rowlett) defeated Will Douglas with 51.8% of the vote.

HD-114: Incumbent John Turner(D-Dallas) defeated Luisa Del Rosal with 53.6% of the vote.

HD-115: Incumbent Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton) defeated Karyn Brownlee with 56.9% of the vote.

HD-116: Incumbent Trey Martinez Fischer (D-Dan Antonio) defeated Robert Litoffwith 69% of the vote.

HD-117: Incumbent Philip Cortez (D-San Antonio) defeated Carlos Antonio Raymondwith 54.9% of the vote.

HD-118: Incumbent Leo Pacheco (D-San Antonio) defeated Adam Salyerwith 56.8% of the vote.

HD-119 (open seat vacated by Roland Gutierrez in San Antonio):  DemocratElizabeth Campos defeated Republican George Garza with 61.8% of the vote.

HD-120: Incumbent Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio) defeated Ronald Payne with 65.9% of the vote.

HD-121: Incumbent Steve Allison (R-San Antonio) defeated Celina Montoyawith 53.5% of the vote.

HD-122: Incumbent Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) defeated Claire Barnettwith 59.2% of the vote.

HD-123: Incumbent Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio) did not have an opponent.

HD-124: Incumbent Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio) did not have an opponent.

HD-125: Incumbent Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio) defeated Tony Valdivia with 80% of the vote.

HD-126: Incumbent Sam Harless (R-Spring) defeated Natali Hurtadowith 53.5% of the vote.

HD-127: Incumbent Dan Huberty (R-Houston) defeated Neko Antoniou with 71.3% of the vote.

HD-128: Incumbent Briscoe Cain (R-Houston) defeated Mary Williamswith 68.3% of the vote.

HD-129: Incumbent Dennis Paul (R-Houston) defeated Kayla Alix with 58.9% of the vote.

HD-130: Incumbent Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) defeated Bryan Henrywith 69% of the vote.

HD-131: Incumbent Alma Allen (D-Houston) did not have an opponent.

HD-132: Mike Schofield defeated incumbent Gina Calanni (D-Katy) with 51.8% of the vote. SEAT FLIPPED

HD-133: Incumbent Jim Murphy (R-Houston) defeated Sandra Moorewith 57.2% of the vote.

HD-134: Ann Johnson defeated incumbent Sarah Davis (R-Houston) with 52.3% of the vote. SEAT FLIPPED

HD-135: Incumbent Jon Rosenthal (D-Houston) defeated Justin Raywith 49.1% of the vote.

HD-136: Incumbent John Bucy (D-Austin) defeated Mike Guevarawith 53.3% of the vote.

HD-137: Incumbent Gene Wu (D-Houston) defeated Lee Sharp with 81.7% of the vote.

HD-138 (open seat vacated by Dwayne Bohac in Houston):  Republican Lacey Hull defeated Democrat Akilah Bacy with 51.5% of the vote.

HD-139: Incumbent Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston) defeated R. Grizzle Trojacek with 86% of the vote.

HD-140: Incumbent Armando Walle (D-Houston) did not have an opponent.

HD-141: Incumbent Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) did not have an opponent.

HD-142: Incumbent Democrat Harold Dutton Jr. (D-Houston) defeated Jason Rowe with 75.2% of the vote.

HD-143: Incumbent Ana Hernandez (D-Houston) did not have an opponent.

HD-144: Incumbent Mary Ann Perez (D-Houston) defeated Tony Salas with 56.6% of the vote.

HD-145: Incumbent Christina Morales (D-Houston) defeated Martha Elena Fierrowith 64.1% of the vote.

HD-146: Incumbent Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) defeated J.J. Campbellwith 87.2% of the vote.

HD-147: IncumbentGarnet Coleman (D-Houston) did not have an opponent.  

HD-148:  Luis LaRotta (R) and Penny Morales Shaw (D) – these votes are not complete.

HD-149: Incumbent Hubert Vo (D-Houston) defeated Lily Truongwith 59% of the vote.

HD-150: Incumbent Valoree Swanson (R-Spring) defeated Michael Robert Walshwith 58.2% of the vote.

This Week in Austin, Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

The Race is on for Speaker of the Texas House

Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson, who represents parts of Harris County, was the first to file her candidacy for Speaker last week on Friday, October 23^rd. “Ms. T.”, as she is known around the Texas Capitol, joined the Texas House in 1973 and is the second most senior member of the Texas House.

Chairman Trey Martinez-Fischer from San Antonio was the second to file, on Monday, October 26^th.

Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival begins this Saturday, October 31^st, and will last through November 15^th.

View the 2020 Texas Book Festival schedule HERE.

Houston, We Have a Vote!

An astronaut has cast her ballot for the November 3^rd election all the way from outer space! Kate Rubins, an astronaut at the International Space Station, cast her absentee ballot in Harris County from the space station.

“We consider it an honor to vote from space so we fill out a form and we vote via absentee ballot and I plan to do that in November,” she said. “I think it’s really important for everybody to vote, and if we can do it from space, then I think folks can do it from the ground, too.”

Legislation was passed in Texas in 1997 allowing astronauts to cast their votes from space.

Michael Bloomberg Donates to Texas Railroad Commissioner Candidate

Michael Bloomberg is sending big money to Texas in the last stretch before the November 3^rd election, including a $2.6 million contribution to the Texas Democrat running for Railroad Commissioner, Chrysta Castaneda.

Last Week to Vote Early

This week is the last week for early voting with Election Day just around the corner. This Friday, October 30^th, is the final day for early voting in Texas. Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 3^rd, however, it could take some time to finalize the election’s results.

Trick or Treat!

The Witch is IN! Go ahead and enjoy your Halloween weekend and we will be here at the office ready to update you on EVERYTHING election-related next week!

The year 2020 has sure played a trick on us—now where do we get our treats?! The holiday season may be a little different this year but we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween, whatever you do!

Who Will Be the Next Speaker of the Texas House?

State Representative Four Price has announced that he will not be running for Speaker of the Texas House.

Texas is Breaking Early Voting Records

Texas is leading the country in early voting numbers with over 4 million votes counted as of Sunday.

Texas cities, including Austin, Houston, Dallas, El Paso, and Amarillo, are breaking early voting records. Travis County reported that over 70,000 early voting ballots were cast in the first two days of early voting. On the first day of early voting, 128,000 Houston voters cast their ballots. By the second day of voting, 287,000 Houston voters had cast their ballots.

Don’t let the long lines discourage you from voting, here is a link to look up voting wait times in Travis County: https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/wait-time-map.html

Texas Supreme Court Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Rebeca Huddle to the Texas Supreme Court. Huddle will replace Justice Paul Green who retired in August.

Only in Austin…

That’s So Retro!

For a fun and socially distanced outdoor adventure, you can now cruise around Austin Town Lake in style in one of these super-fun, retro-style boats from Retro Boat Rentals ATX!

This Week in Texas: Oct 14, 2020

It’s Officially Voting Season Here in Texas!

Early voting for the November 3^rd election started Tuesday, October 13^th, and will run through October 30^th. To look up your ballot or find your polling place visit www.votetexas.gov.

Only in Austin…

HomeSlice Pizza on South Congress is handing out a free slice of pizza when you present your “I voted” sticker—who doesn’t love free pizza?! After you’ve grabbed your free slice you might want to walk across the street to Jo’s Coffee and snap a photo with your “I voted” sticker…

Austin’s famous “i love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress has been transformed into a tribute to voting to inspire more voters to cast their ballots this election season. The transformation is temporary and was put together by the League of Women voters.

Visit https://ilovevotingsomuch.org/ to access the League of Women Voters’ free, non-partisan voting guide.

The Latest in Bar-Opening News

Gov Abbott issued an Executive Order last week to open bars and similar establishments at up to 50% capacity in conjunction with county officials. In hospital regions where COVID-19 hospitalizations are less than 15% of hospital capacity, County Judges will be able to opt their county into opening bars beginning October 14th, provided they assist in enforcing health protocols.

The Governor’s Executive Order also increases the occupancy levels for all business establishments other than bars to 75%.

District 30 Special Election Date Set

The special election to fill the District 30 seat in the Texas Senate has been set for December 19th, 2020 and early voting will begin on December 9^th.

This Week in Austin: October 7, 2020

Voting in Texas – What to Know This Week

Two separate lawsuits have been filed against Gov. Greg Abbott in the past week by the Texas and National Leagues of United Latin American Citizens, the League of Women’s Voters of Texas, and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans to challenge the Governor’s executive order issued last week to allow only one mail-in ballot drop-off location per county.

Additionally, some GOP leaders and activists have asked the Texas Supreme Court to overturn Gov. Abbott’s order to extend early voting in Texas for the November 3^rd election.

For now, early voting is still set to begin on October 13^th, and each county is allowed one drop-off location for mail-in ballots, pending a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court.

Texas Attorney General Investigation

Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has announced that he will not resign as AG following the recent allegations of bribery and abuse of power.  Seven of Paxton’s top aides have alleged that Paxton is violating federal and state law and are asking for a federal investigation.

Here’s the ACL Fest 2020 (Virtual) Lineup This Weekend!

For years the Austin City Limits Music Festival has taken place rain or shine. However, in lieu of this year’s festival, there will be a free 3-night broadcast, starting this Friday at 7 pm CT exclusively live on YouTube.

NASCAR is Coming to Austin!

The inaugural running of the NASCAR Cup Series will take place on May 23, 2021, at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack venue in Austin. “Everything is bigger in Texas, including our passion for NASCAR, and NASCAR will be even bigger and better in Texas in 2021 with the addition of this race in Austin,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Straight-ticket voting – What you need to know

Straight-ticket voting was set to end this year in Texas, but on Friday, a federal judge ordered the state to reinstate the practice. A federal appeals court on Monday put a temporary hold on a lower court’s ruling last week, again casting into uncertainty whether Texas voters will have the option in the Nov. 3^rd election.

Senate District 30 Special Election results

Republicans Shelley Luther, the Dallas salon owner who was jailed earlier this year after refusing to close her business due to coronavirus restrictions, and Drew Springer, the state representative from Muenster, are advancing to a runoff in the special election to replace state Sen. Pat Fallon, R-Prosper, according to unofficial election returns. Each was getting about 32% of the vote late Tuesday in the six-way special election, with all polling locations reporting. The runoff has yet to be scheduled.

Calling all election guide junkies!

Alright, y’all. It’s time to start the countdown (if you haven’t already). We have five weeks until Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3^rd, and two weeks until Oct. 13^th, the start of Texas’ early voting period. If you are anything like us, a crisp new election guide puts a big smile on our faces! We will be adding this Houston Chronicle Voter Guide to our favorites tab. Check it out!

Because sometimes we just need a good laugh…

We hope everyone is taking care of themselves. Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw. There, that’s better. Dentists are seeing more cracked teeth, and they say it’s due to pandemic stress. Let’s keep those pearly whites healthy, shall we?

Your Texas COVID Update

Restaurants, retail stores and office buildings can now operate at 75% capacity, Governor Abbott announced last Thursday. The Governor also announced that hospitals will be allowed to offer elective procedures again and nursing homes can reopen for visitations under certain standards. Ready to hit the gym? Gyms can now open at 75% capacity as well!

Texas shatters voter registration records

Texas has now surpassed 16.6 million voters, according to the latest numbers announced Tuesday by Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs. Let’s not stop now! We still have two more weeks to add more registered voters! The last day to register to vote is October 5^th. Not sure if you are registered? Find out here!

When it rains it pours

We are thinking about our friends in Southeast Texas during these recent storms. The Houston Chronicle has created a Texas Flood Map and Tracker giving you real-time flood updates including road closures and high-water areas. Y’all stay safe out there!

Only in Austin… but now VIRTUAL!

This year’s Texas Book Festival holds some serious star power and talent! A few of this year’s special guests include Matthew McConaughey, David Chang, Kevin Kwan, Sigrid Nunez, Isabel Wilkerson, and more. Get excited for two weeks of virtual fun happening from October 31^st – November 15^th. Check out the full lineup here!

What do we want? BROADBAND! When do we want it? NOW!

On Friday last week, a bipartisan group of 88 state lawmakers asked Governor Abbott to develop a plan to expand broadband access in Texas. COVID-19 has highlighted the urgency of access to broadband across the state and the lawmakers say the need cannot wait until the 2021 legislative session.

Your 2020 November ballot

It’s the final countdown! The November 3^rd general election is right around the corner. Are you ready? Early voting in Texas is October 13^th-30^th. Here are all the candidates who will be on the ballot and how to find your ballot based on where you live.

H-Town update

On Friday, State District Judge R.K. Sandill rejected AG Paxton’s request to halt Harris County’s mail ballot plan. 2.4 million registered voters could be receiving mail ballot applications soon. AG Paxton appealed the decision Friday afternoon. Mail ballots have become the focus of fierce debate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the pink dome

Conversations are well under way about how the 87^th Legislative Session will be conducted starting in January 2021 during the current pandemic. We could be seeing temperature checks upon entry to the Capitol, required face masks, and limited cafeteria grub (no more ice cream sundae Thursdays?!).

We are staying as busy as ever here in Austin, ZOOM-ZOOMing away while legislators are hosting receptions and fundraisers virtually. We are ready for anything in 2021!